From one of the motorcycle forums I'm on.

http://www.sparkbright.co.uk/product..._monsoon8.html

They have several units, go back to the homepage for the others.

Voltage: Output:
>15.20 Green/ Red alternating (over-voltage)
>13.20 Green (charging/charged)
>12.45 Amber (75%+)
>12.25 Red slow flashing (50%+)
>12.00 Red 2 fashes, repeating (25%+)
>11.80 Red 3 flashes, repeating (low charge)
<11.80 Red 4 flashes, repeating (very low)

 

I just got PMed asking my opinion of this product. After looking at their site, a big thumbs down from me.

At >13.20V, the LED turns GREEN telling me the system is charging/charged.

If my charging system while cruising is anything below 14V at about 77 degrees F, I'd start looking at what is wrong with it. And this thing would shine Green at 13.21V telling me everything is OK.

It tough to beat a digital voltmeter. And BTW, it should be connected directly to the battery.

 

I think its just to make sure you can start the car, I have purchased one and thats what I intend to use it for. When the car isnt used everyday a quick visual of the charge will be helpfull. We will see!

 

You are better off knowing your charging system is spot on because if it is and you have a healthy battery, your battery will continue to be healthy.

You can't even use it in the always-on condition (for various reasons) to monitor the state of the battery while the car is parked.

I wish people selling stuff would actually know something about technical things.

 

As I recall from my quick peruse of the site the voltages are customizable, they'll set them at the levels you want if you ask.

 

Yes, I noticed that.

The ones they've set them to are totally useless. Why not set them right in the first place, but then the poor boy would have to know something about charging systems and batteries, instead of business.

 

I would bet a fair few quid this guy knows more about this sort of thing than you would ever think you could know!

I think it is worth a try, its hardly alot of money and can do no harm

 

Buddy, the fact that he published those numbers tells me he knows squat. The green light should be on between 14.0V and 14.4V and to take it one step further, even that would be shifted up or down by a few tenths based on battery temperature.

And I doubt he has car batteries lasting 16+ years. I only work with batteries and battery chargers all day long in a lab.

 

Yes it can, it can cost you a battery.

 

OK, Buddy, for charging, yes plus 14volts is required but I think the idea is more of a battery level check light, you understand? (not a charging system check ie; alternator or reg) At least thats my interpretation of it and that what I want it for.

 

So when the green light is on, I am supposed to get that warm 'n fuzzy feeling that everything is just fine, even though my battery is charging to no more than 13.21V.

Yes, I understand that the majority of people know nothing about batteries and charging systems. Thats why they keep replacing batteries unnecessarily or wonder why it won't start. Remember that Save-A-Battery thread?

 

OK, I want it to tell me if my car will start, having left it for 10 days. (I dont want it for charging indication) I want a visual indication that it will start, not have to get in it and turn the key and see. I can see this through the window, if the light is green I should be able to start the car, if the light is orange or red I need to get the charger out! Thats all I want it for, thats all I want it to do, do you not think it will achieve this for me?

 

Oh boy!

Do you think your battery voltage will be anywhere close to 13.21V after a day parked, lets not even talk about a week later. Try about 12.9V after a day if your battery is healthy, and less after a week depending on standby current draw.

This thing is a toy, no more.

But fill your boots and best of luck to you and your battery.

 

Alex, what dont you understand about my last post?

Will it give me an indication of whether my battery will start my car, yes it will, OK end of

You need to let this go now, I am privy to some more information that isnt in these posting and you seem to have made it your aim to slag everything about it off

OK, its a toy, and boys like their toys........end of

 

I guess you still think you'll see a Green LED while it is parked. I hope you do; I bet you won't.

Best you read up on some technical manuals from Yuasa, East Penn, Battery University.